Irene R. Biese

Irene R. Biese, our beloved Mother, passed away peacefully on January 22nd, 2024, following a brief illness. At the age of 84, she leaves behind a legacy of kindness, laughter, and wonderful memories.  She was born to her earthly life on February 12, 1939, to the late Nicholas and Esther (Van Handel) Hietpas.  Irene graduated from St. John High School with the class of ’57 and went on to become a waitress, proudly serving the patrons of the Darboy Club for 32 years.   Her welcoming smile and friendly service graced countless tables and banquet events during her years as a waitress.  Irene married the love of her life, Leo Biese on September 11, 1958, and they were blessed to hold hands for over 55 wonderful years.  Irene was a devoted wife to Leo and built a home together, overflowing with laughter.   She was a mother to 3 children, grandmother to 7 grandchildren, and great-grandmother to 11 great-grandchildren with one more on the way.  She was so proud of every one of them.

Irene is known by all for having the sweetest disposition.  She was a kind soul who was not afraid to show her affection and appreciation for others with a genuine smile and soft touch.  Her kindness was infectious.  Irene embraced life with an infectious smile and a spirit as warm as her sun-kissed garden.  She was the best listener and accepted everyone.  Nobody felt judged when around her.  Irene and Leo were the model couple who had the sincerest love for one another.   When they looked at one another, they did so with endearing love.  Irene and Leo resided in Darboy their entire married life and were passionate gardeners.   Passersby were always in awe of their pristine lawn and colorful flower beds, which they loved to share with anyone that wanted to stop by.  Irene and Leo were faithful Christians and active members of Holy Angels Church of Darboy for many years until they later became members of St. John Nepomucene Church of Little Chute.  More than anything else, though, she loved and cherished her family and spent as much time with them as she possibly could.  Irene lived a life rich in love, laughter, and a beautiful garden full of life. Even as the seasons changed, her spirit remained a beacon of warmth and generosity.

Irene will be deeply missed by her children, Allan (Brenda) Biese, Brenda (Jeff) VandenHeuvel, and Connie (Herb) Bonacker; her grandchildren, Alexa (Sean) Myers, Valyssa (Luke) Holschbach, Brianna (Jake) Wood, Lucas (Lauren) VandenHeuvel, Lacey (John) Torres, Logan (Katy) VandenHeuvel, and Alicia (Dale) Smith; her great-grandchildren, Lily, Brooks, Brynn, Leo, Layla, Layne, Nell, Preston, Adrian, Colton, Breyer, and another Baby VandenHeuvel on the way; her siblings, Pauline (Gerald) DeGroot, Harland (Carol) Hietpas, and Dan (Susie) Hietpas; her her sisters-in-law, Maggie Coenen, Elaine Schmidt, Dorothy (Tim) VandeWettering, Evelyn Verhasselt, and Nora Biese. She is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Irene rejoins her husband, Leo Biese in heaven; as well as her parents, Nick and Esther Hietpas; her mother and father-in-law, Frank and Clara Biese; her granddaughter, Valerie Biese; her sister, Betty (Francis) Vandenberg and Betty's first husband, Gordon Luniak; her brothers-in-law, Bob Schmidt, Bob Verhasselt, Bob Biese, Ray Coenen, George Gerrits; and her sister-in-law, Marian Gerrits.  

A memorial visitation will be held for Irene from 9:30-11:30 AM on Saturday, February 3rd, 2024 at St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church, 411 Vandenbroek St, Little Chute, WI 54140 with a mass to follow at 11:30 AM.  Irene will be laid to rest with her husband at St. John Catholic Cemetery in Little Chute, WI at a later date.  

We want to give a big, warm hug to a very special man, Bill Romenesko. They shared the bond of neighbors, the loss of their loved ones, and true companionship. You are dear to our hearts.  We would also like to extend a very special thanks to our loving medical team at St. Paul’s Elder Services, St. Paul Hospice, and the loving hands that cared for Mom daily.